Gillingham School

Gillingham School Welcome to the official page for Gillingham School, Dorset, a leading North Dorset secondary school with over 500 years of history.

Open to prospective students, parents, and our wider community. Founded by benefactors in 1516, we are proud of the school’s long history, and privileged to offer a quality and enjoyable educational experience open to all young people from the town of Gillingham and its surrounding villages – and indeed to a number of students from further afield in Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset. At Gillingham Sc

hool we recognise that children have many abilities, talents and personalities and that they learn in many different ways. We aim to develop their abilities, raise their expectations and provide the support necessary for success, by offering a wide range of experiences to our students both in and out of the classroom. The school motto is ‘docendo discimus’, which means ‘through teaching we learn’. This recognises that learning is a shared, lifelong process, and that the partnership between students, teachers and parents is vitally important in ensuring that all students aspire to achieve the best possible chances for their future. Gillingham is also a friendly school, characterised by good behaviour, respect towards others and enthusiasm for new experiences – this positive ethos has been a feature here for many years and we remain committed to sustaining this into the future.

Congratulations to our fantastic Class of 2026This year, an impressive 89.9% of students achieved AAB or better, reflect...
27/08/2026

Congratulations to our fantastic Class of 2026

This year, an impressive 89.9% of students achieved AAB or better, reflecting the dedication, perseverance and ambition shown throughout their Sixth Form journey.

We are especially proud of students progressing to prestigious universities, competitive degree courses, apprenticeships and training pathways, including Oxford and Medicine.

Beyond their academic success, our students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience and commitment to the wider school community.

We wish all our Year 13 students every success as they embark on their next chapter.

Today we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 11 students.✅71.2% of GCSE grades at Grade 4 or above ✅65.1% ...
27/08/2026

Today we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 11 students.

✅71.2% of GCSE grades at Grade 4 or above
✅65.1% achieving Grade 4+ in English and Mathematics
✅ Results above national averages
✅ Strong outcomes across a broad range of subjects

These fantastic results are a reflection of the determination of our students, the expertise of our staff and the support of families throughout their educational journey.

We are immensely proud of every student and look forward to seeing them flourish in the next stage of their education and training.

GCSE Results Day, Thursday 20 August 2026Here’s a reminder of what happens next if you’re planning to join Gillingham Si...
20/08/2026

GCSE Results Day, Thursday 20 August 2026

Here’s a reminder of what happens next if you’re planning to join Gillingham Sixth Form.

Results Day support: The Sixth Form Team will be available in the Multipurpose Hall from 8:30am–12:00pm to answer questions and provide advice.

Need support online? Email [email protected] and the team will respond by Friday 28 August at the latest.

If your results mean you need to reconsider your subject choices, we can help you explore alternative options where spaces are available.

Important: After Results Day, please complete the Place Acceptance Form by 30 August, whether you are accepting or releasing your place. You’ll need your official GCSE results statement to complete the form.

Good luck to everyone receiving their results and we look forward to welcoming you to Gillingham Sixth Form.

August 2026Dear Parents/CarersAs you may be aware, we are a phone free school for our students in Year 7-11. Parents/car...
19/08/2026

August 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

As you may be aware, we are a phone free school for our students in Year 7-11. Parents/carers have two options relating to this policy:

RECOMMENDED: Purchase of a pouch through school will be required for students to store their phone securely during the school day. Your child will collect this on the first day in school and will be required to use it every day. This will be checked daily during morning registration.

FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT BRING PHONES TO SCHOOL: Parent/carer to sign a home-school agreement which confirms this arrangement. Your child will be provided with an exemption card on the first day of school and must have it in school every day – they should keep it in their pencil case and it will be checked during morning registration.

Please use the following link to indicate which option you will select for your child using the following form:
https://forms.office.com/e/GbK5j7inyE
To be completed by Wednesday 2nd September.

If you are opting for the recommended pouch option, payment will be through the EduLink One app via the iPay section. You will need to register in order to pay electronically and this will not be available until the first day of school on Friday 4th September for Year 7 students. If you have completed the preference form, your child will be issued their pouch on the first day and we would ask that payment is made by Monday 7th September at the latest.

Payment options are as follows:
Pay full amount of £18 by 7th September 2026
Pay by 3 instalments of £6: 7th September 2026, 1st January 2027 and 1st April 2027

Families experiencing financial hardship can apply for financial support available from school reception or by emailing [email protected]

Yours sincerely,
Mr P Nicholson
Headteacher

Ready to LearnA quick reminder to help our students have the best start to each school dayPlease make sure your child br...
05/08/2026

Ready to Learn

A quick reminder to help our students have the best start to each school day

Please make sure your child brings the following equipment every day:

✅ Yondr pouch or exemption card
✅ Three highlighters
✅ Pencil and eraser
✅ Blue, black, plus a purple pen
✅ Ruler
✅ Scientific calculator
✅ Pencil case

Tutors will check equipment daily to help students stay organised and prepared for learning.

Thank you for your support in helping our students come to school ready to succeed.

Stay Connected with Gillingham School, DorsetGillingham School has four official Facebook channels, each designed to kee...
13/07/2026

Stay Connected with Gillingham School, Dorset

Gillingham School has four official Facebook channels, each designed to keep our school community informed and connected.

1. Gillingham School Main (Public Page)
You'll find school public news, events, and celebrations, perfect for current families, prospective parents, alumni, and our wider community.

2. Gillingham School Updates & Events (Closed Group)
A dedicated group for current parents and carers, providing regular school updates, reminders, and event information.

3. Gillingham School Sixth Form (Closed Group)
Specifically for our Sixth Form community, sharing opportunities, events, student achievements, careers information, and important updates.

4. Gillingham School Community News (Public)
Celebrating our links with the wider community, local partnerships, fundraising, alumni news, and community events.

Please note: If you wish to join either of our closed Facebook groups, it is essential that you answer all of the membership questions in full. This helps us verify requests and keep our groups safe and relevant for our school community. Requests submitted without completed answers may not be approved.

Thank you for helping us keep our online community welcoming, informative, and secure. We look forward to connecting with you.

Design Technician (School Workshop) – Term Time only, part or full time. Required from September 2026Do you enjoy making...
10/07/2026

Design Technician (School Workshop) – Term Time only, part or full time. Required from September 2026

Do you enjoy making things, working with tools, and helping young people develop practical skills?

We are looking for a friendly and practical Design Technician to support our busy Design Department. This is a rewarding role preparing materials, maintaining our workshops and equipment, and helping create a safe, organised environment where students can learn and be creative.

This position could be ideal for:
- Someone looking to step back from full-time work before retirement but still use their practical skills.
- A retired carpenter, joiner, engineer, technician or tradesperson looking for meaningful term-time work.
- A student or recent graduate in Product Design, Engineering or a related subject who would like hands-on experience in a school environment while continuing their studies.

What you'll be doing:
Preparing materials and equipment for practical lessons.
Maintaining tools, machinery and workshop resources.
Ensuring the workshop is safe, tidy and well organised.
Supporting teachers during practical activities.
Occasionally working alongside individual students on design projects.

We'd love to hear from you if you:
Enjoy practical, hands-on work.
Have experience using workshop tools and machinery (such as circular saws and planer thicknessers), or are willing to learn.
Take pride in maintaining a safe and organised workspace.
Enjoy working as part of a supportive school community.

This is an opportunity to be part of a welcoming team where your skills will help inspire the next generation of designers, engineers and makers. Full training on school procedures and health and safety will be provided.

If you're looking for a role with purpose, variety and term-time working, we'd love to hear from you.

🙂

Gillingham School Work Related Learning Team would like to congratulate all of our Year 10 and Year 12 students on succe...
09/07/2026

Gillingham School Work Related Learning Team would like to congratulate all of our Year 10 and Year 12 students on successfully completing their work experience placements this year.

Our students have taken the opportunity to secure a wide range of excellent placements, with support from the school, parents, and, of course, our valued local and national employers. We are extremely grateful to all the businesses and organisations that have helped provide these meaningful experiences.

If you are an employer who has not previously hosted a work experience student and would like to get involved in this worthwhile programme, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information, please contact the Work-related Learning Team, Gillingham School, at [email protected].

Tuesday 7th July 2026. Welcome Year 6 to Gillingham School.We are delighted that you are joining us for your Induction D...
06/07/2026

Tuesday 7th July 2026.
Welcome Year 6 to Gillingham School.
We are delighted that you are joining us for your Induction Day and can't wait to meet you.

The day is all about getting to know your new school, meeting new friends, finding your way around, and experiencing what life at Gillingham School is like. We know that starting secondary school is an exciting milestone, and today is designed to help you feel confident and ready for September.

Your Day
8:40am Arrival
You will be welcomed by staff and directed to the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH).
You will be registered and receive a name sticker showing your name, tutor group and teaching group. You'll have the chance to meet other students in your new year group and our friendly Year 12 students will be available throughout the day to help you find your way around school.

8:50–9:10am A Warm Welcome
We'll officially welcome you to Gillingham School before guiding you to your tutor room.

9:10–10:10am Tutor Time
Meet your tutor, get to know your tutor group and find out more about school life.

10:10–11:10am Period 2
You will be collected by your Period 2 teacher.
From this point onwards, you will spend the rest of the day in your teaching groups.

11:10–11:30am Break
At the end of break, you will be guided to MPH.

11:30–12:30pm Period 3

12:30–1:30pm Period 4

1:30–2:20pm Lunch
At the end of lunch, you will be guided to MPH.

2:20–3:20pm Period 5

End of the Day
We will say goodbye and make sure everyone knows where to catch their bus or where to meet their parent, guardian or carer.

We hope you have had a fantastic day and have enjoyed trying new activities, and making lots of new friends. Everyone at Gillingham School is looking forward to welcoming you into our school community. We can't wait to see you again when you start with us in September 2026.

What's Coming Up? SPORTS DAY.Sports Day is almost here. Make sure you know your house colour and come ready to represent...
03/07/2026

What's Coming Up? SPORTS DAY.

Sports Day is almost here. Make sure you know your house colour and come ready to represent your house with pride.

Baxter – Black
Clarendon – Navy
Davenant – Green
Fletcher – Red
George Butler – Light Blue
Hurley – Purple
Lyndon – Grey
Matthews – Yellow
Seager – Orange
Wagner – White

Wear your house colour if you can, bring plenty of water, and get ready for a fantastic day of competition, teamwork, and school spirit. Good luck to everyone.

Address

Hardings Lane
Gillingham
SP84QP

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